NOTES FROM THE BOX SCORES
I spent the day updating the data in the software, which leads to the updated spreadsheets and text files that go out to you all via pattonandco.com, buyers of Rotoman’s Fantasy Guide 2024 in all its forms, and subscribers to rotoman.substack.com. Everything will be perfect tomorrow.
As if.
Earlier today the news seemed not shocking. We pretty much knew most of what was happening. But the transaction wire did pinpoint some things we hadn’t touched on. I updated the software as I went along, and here are some notes on those changes.
Luis Gil is in the Yankees rotation. On the surface he’s had a good spring, but he’s allowed homers and he’s been lucky in BABIP and LOB percentage. He’s got plenty of swing and miss offerings, but he’s a fly ball pitcher, so he’s vulnerable to the long ball. He’s coming back from TJ, has always had control issues, and allowed homers. I wouldn’t rule out a change, but for me that’s a $1 flyer in AL only.
The Brewers traded for Oliver Dunn over the winter, and he now breaks camp with the big league team. I could be reading this wrong, but because Garrett Mitchell broke his wrist Sal Frelick moved from 3B to CF and Joey Ortiz moved from utility to 3B and Dunn moves to utility. The notable thing here is no sign of a prospect hitter, not defender Tyler Black. Dunn has massive strikeout rates at the higher levels, but he’s also patient, has some power and some speed. I doubt he goes far, but he has a job!
Bryan Shaw has once again made the White Sox bullpen. He was on my radar because the White Sox pen is weak, but Shaw is weaker. Nothing to see here.
Jared Walsh makes the Rangers. This was my first surprise of the day. The World Champs are going with a World Champion swing and misser with Nathaniel Lowe out rather than offensively talented but defensively challenged Justin Foscue. Okay. They have. Walsh will strike out a lot. Maybe too much for you.
Daniel Vogelbach survives the Joey Votto run, because Joey Votto didn’t survive it. It’s good to have an identifiable skill, and Vogelbach hits righties. With power, at least sometimes.
Cavan Biggio/Davis Schneider is a thing! I thought Schneider would see more at bats, but I look at my projections and I had them with the same. So, I’ll live with that. But after one game it looks like Biggio might have the strong side of the platoon. Schneider still has good on base skills (as does Biggio). Maybe you can’t go wrong here as long as you don’t invest much.
Adley Rutschman is always good on Opening Day. What a joy if he were on my team.
Of course, on Opening Day, there are other questions. Like how much to pay for Nick Martini?
In New York, a good martini is going to set you back $20. But is Nick a good martini? He was today.
The other two issues I should wait for the Closer Monkey, but let me say:
In Detroit, Jason Foley saving today’s game instead of Alex Lange isn’t a game changer, but it changes the game from closer to co-closer.
The Pirates didn’t go to David Bednar to close out today’s game. I’m pretty sure that was situational and because Bednar has missed a bunch of spring training, but the bottom line is fluid. Anyone can close, until they can’t.
Have fun figuring it all out. I will.
ROTOMAN’S FANTASY GUIDE 2024 UPDATE
Here’s a special sheet for folks who bought Rotoman’s Fantasy Guide 2024 softcover/PDF/Kindle. A Dropbox Excel download updated through March 21. Will be updated on the 29th.
It’s password-protected. The password is the last word in the Ronald Acuña Jr. profile in The Guide. Lower case.
If you want to make edits save it with a different name.
The Editor’s Letter and Why We Did Pages for Rotoman’s Guide, which are missing in the printed Guide, are here.
Members here at the Substack have an updated spreadsheet linked to after the paywall below (after Rotoman’s big signature). Paid subscribers, even for one month, get access to that one. It is updated each Thursday.
FOR SALE
Rotoman’s Fantasy Baseball Guide 2024, softcover, $20, Kindle, $10.
Rotoman’s Fantasy Baseball Guide 2024, PDF, $12.
Ron Shandler’s Fantasy Expert, hardcover, $25, Kindle, $12. I wrote the foreword.
Les Leopold’s Wall Street’s War on Workers, hardcover, $25, Kindle, $23. I did a lot of the data work and some editing.
HOUSEKEEPING
Monthly subscribers should turn off auto-pay now, so you don’t get billed for April. I’m not sure how to do it, but if you let me know I can do it for you. If you sign up for monthly now I will turn off your autopay before the next renewal. Thank you for your support!
When Will I See You Again Dept.: Tomorrow is only a day away. Questions and suggestions appreciated.
I’ve posted the Historical Top Players by Position for 2021-2023 charts after the Paywall.
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